Parent Sheri Malo said she felt Costello belittled the graduates who worked hard but didn't earn honors. Daughter Olivia Malo didn't graduate with honors, but the event marked an important milestone. She said her jaw dropped at the remarks.

Costello said she wasn't thinking about "those who had done the very best they could."

“The last thing in the world I ever would have wanted to do was hurt anybody,” she said. “If you're going to try to do something significant you'll make mistakes. When you make mistakes, admit it and apologize.”

Costello's remarks are expected to be a topic of discussion, along with other issues, at a school board meeting on Tuesday night.